Head of School Search Committee

Skully KnightChaplain and Associate Head of School for Service LearningRebecca KuhnGlobal and Social Studies Director, Exchange Program Coordinator,​AP Psychology TeacherKimberly LaMotte​Board MemberLeslie BergPast President of Parents' Guild​Upper School eFund Chair

Communications

September 2018 | Letter to the Episcopal Community by Katheryn FlournoyBoard of Trustees Chair

Dear Episcopal Community, Episcopal has been blessed during its more than 50-year history, especially with its strong community and clear purpose.These blessings have been abundant since Head of School Hugh McIntosh arrived in 2010. Hugh’s creativity, strategic thinking and numerous abilities have attracted talented students and faculty. His leadership and energy have refined and enlivened our school community and its Mission and Ministry in ways that will reverberate for years to come. Several years ago, Hugh determined his tenure as Head of School would conclude June 30, 2020. While his departure is still nearly two years away, the Board is putting in place a plan and the resources to find Hugh’s successor. The Board has formed a Search Committee headed by Ty McMains, an alumnus, parent of four students, former Trustee and long-time supporter of the school. The committee is made up of Episcopal Trustees and faculty and has hired search firm School Strategies and Solutions. Firm partners Bob Hallett and Ted Lingenheld have a deep understanding of independent college prep schools and broad experience in finding the right match for a school’s needs. Our school is in a strong physical and financial state. Our faculty is superlative. Our students are among the brightest minds in the Baton Rouge area. Episcopal is in excellent shape to attract its next superb Head of School.In coming months, the Board will be assessing Episcopal’s future needs. The Search Committee will host a series of conversations asking for input from you and other stakeholders — parents, students, staff, faculty, supporters. You also will be asked to participate in a survey. In January 2019, the search firm partners will visit the school. Shortly afterwards, a profile of the school and our community’s needs and wants will be completed. By next spring, the search will be underway.By this time next year, the pool of candidates will have been narrowed to a list of finalists who will visit Episcopal in the August-September timeframe.Before the end of October 2019, a new Head of School will be identified and announced.

​Much work will be done in coming months. On behalf of the Board, thank you for supporting Episcopal and participating in the conversations and survey. Sincerely, Katheryn FlournoyBoard of Trustees Chair

September 2018 | Entrances and Exits by Head of School, Hugh Mcintosh

- Entrances and Exits -All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances. As You Like It(Act II, Scene IV)

September 4, 2018

​Dear Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Community Members,

Thank you for allowing me to have an entrance into your intriguing school community over eight years ago in 2010. A lot of doing and living has happened since then here at 3200 Woodland Ridge Boulevard. Of course, much remains to be done.

A few years ago, the Board of Trustees and I agreed to extend my contract through June 2020. Since that very generous contract extension, our strategic plans and actions have guided us ever closer to preparing for a new Head of School in June 2020. In departing Episcopal, I will be saying goodbye to a bigger bunch of bright and motivated students, great friends and colleagues, a supportive Bishop, and an effective Board of Trustees. Leaving a school operating with a healthy dissemination of decision making power among faculty and staff fills me with confidence in the future. Today, Episcopal’s faculty-and-staff is truly a highly collaborative “community of leaders.” Palpable pleasant positive ubiquitous momentum results.

In the independent school world, the exiting Head of School has a limited role in the search process. This is definitely the right approach. Known widely as one of Episcopal’s biggest fans, I will eagerly provide any assistance when asked by the Board or the search committee. In my view, today’s version of the Episcopal community is well prepared for a truly remarkable Head of School who will bring great vigor and wisdom into the territory beyond June 2020.

In less than two years –in the summer of 2020 – a very fortunate new Head of School will be settling into Perkins Hall. Your senior administrative team and I, in the meantime, will be hard at work putting Episcopal in its best light and arranging a seamless transition. That will be our contribution. Your continued support and interest will be greatly appreciated as we all work, metaphorically, to put a giant blue and gold ribbon around the gift that Episcopal will be for the next, fortunate Head of School.​Thank you for the privilege of serving the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge community.Sincerely,​Hugh M. McIntosh

October 2018 | Community Solicitation from Chair, Head of School Search Committee,​Ty McMains. '84

Dear Episcopal Community,

I am writing today to outline the upcoming Head of School search and solicit your input.

It is my honor to be appointed by the Board of Trustees to Chair the Head of School Search Committee. The Search Committee is composed of current parents, former parents, alumni and faculty which include Katheryn Flournoy, Trey Godfrey, Chris Kiesel, Skully Knight, Rebecca Kuhn and Kimberly LaMotte. The Board has engaged two excellent consultants in Ted Lingenheld and Bob Hallett of School Strategies & Solutions (www.schoolstrat.com) to assist us with this process. They will be on campus in January for several days to observe our school in action and gather perspectives from many members of our community before beginning the candidate recruitment phase.

The attached document addresses many of the questions that have been asked of us over the last month, including the engagement of the Episcopal community as we seek a new Head of School. In the coming months, we will create opportunities for you to provide us with your input. An online survey is being prepared and I hope you will participate. Additionally, we welcome you to come have a cup of coffee and share your ideas and vision for the future of Episcopal. These meetings are informal, no RSVP necessary and are scheduled on the following dates:

​The Search Committee, under the direction of the Board of Trustees, begins its process in the search for the new Head of School with a commitment to the school’s mission, to our current students, and to Episcopal students in the future.

​The Search Committee and I look forward to hearing your input as we move forward in this important process.

Sincerely,Ty McMains, ’84Chair, Head of School Search Committee

April 2019 | Chair, Head of School Search Committee | Position Profile

Dear Friends,

It has been several months since the Head of School Search Committee has communicated with you. A lot has happened and we wanted to inform you of our progress before school breaks for the summer.As a reminder, the committee is comprised of parents representing all three school divisions, former parents, alumni, faculty, and members of the Board of Trustees. Search Committee members are Leslie Berg, Katheryn Flournoy, Trey Godfrey, Chris Kiesel, Skully Knight, Rebecca Kuhn, Kimberly LaMotte and me.

​WHAT WE HAVE BEEN BUSY DOINGBeginning last September, the committee held meetings with faculty and parents about Episcopal and desired qualities in our next Head of School. We received helpful input and valuable information. The committee also conducted an online, anonymous survey of the whole Episcopal community - students, parents, alumni, and faculty. We are grateful for the strong participation. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Data from the meetings and survey helped shape the school’s Position Profile - more on that in a second.

In January, our consultants, School Strategies & Solutions, visited Episcopal and met with students, parents, faculty, and staff. From these meetings and the feedback received from the Fall meetings, the consultants came away with a treasure chest of knowledge on Episcopal. The consultants, working with the committee, developed the attached Position Profile.

RECRUITING SEASONNow, the consultants are receiving applications, contacting potential candidates and sharing our Position Profile. The application deadline is June 1st. The consultants report enthusiastic responses and expect an impressive list of applicants for our consideration. The consultants are also vetting applicants as applications are received.

LOOKING DOWN THE ROADAfter the June 1st deadline, the consultants will complete their vetting process by conducting personal interviews, checking references and contacting their bank of colleagues regarding the particular applicant. Before mid-July, the committee will have reviewed the applications and narrowed the list into a semi-finalist group. By late July, the semi-finalists will be invited to Baton Rouge for personal interviews.After the semi-finalist interviews, finalists will be identified for a more intensive interview. The finalists and their families will be invited back to Baton Rouge in late August through mid-September to spend time at the school, see the city and for the committee and the candidate to explore the “fit.”In October, the Search Committee will make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

I appreciate your support of Episcopal and your interest in the process. The committee is working hard to secure a leader to carry on the traditions, strengths, and successes of our school. If you have any questions, thoughts, or opinions, please feel free to contact any of the committee members.